Inglis County is one of New South Wales’ 141 cadastral divisions, on the Peel Valley around Tamworth. It was named after Major-General Sir John Eardley Wilmot Inglis (1814–1862). Tamworth and Bendemeer are its main towns.
Key Facts
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| State | New South Wales |
| Region | New England / North West |
| Named after | Major-General Sir John Eardley Wilmot Inglis (1814–1862) |
| Principal towns | Tamworth, Bendemeer |
| Local government areas today | Tamworth Regional Council, Walcha Council |
Parishes in Inglis County
The county holds 22 parishes, listed below.
- Attunga
- Bendemeer
- Bloomfield
- Bubbogullion
- Burdekin
- Burke
- Congi
- Danglemah
- Gill
- Haning
- Looanga
- Moonbi
- Muluerindie
- Perry
- Pringle
- Retreat
- Scott
- South Burke
- Tamworth
- Tara
- Winton
- Woolomol
Towns and Localities Today
Tamworth, in the parish of the same name, is the North West’s largest city and the region’s commercial hub, known for its annual country music festival. Bendemeer and Attunga are smaller towns on the New England Highway and the road north to Manilla.
| Town | LGA | Approx. population |
|---|---|---|
| Tamworth | Tamworth Regional Council | 43,000 |
| Bendemeer | Tamworth Regional Council | 400 |
Geography
Inglis County borders Hardinge, Sandon, Vernon and Parry counties, as well as Darling County. It sits on the Peel River valley below the Moonbi Range.
History
The county’s name honours Major-General Sir John Eardley Wilmot Inglis, who defended the British garrison during the 1857 Siege of Lucknow. Tamworth was proclaimed in 1850 and grew as a rail and market town for the Peel Valley’s grazing and dairying districts. In 1888 it became the first Australian town with electric street lighting, earning it the nickname “the City of Light.” Since the 1970s it has built a second reputation as the country music capital of Australia, hosting a major festival every January.
FAQ
Is Inglis County still used?
Cadastral counties like Inglis remain in land titles and property descriptions but have no government function today.
What is the main town in Inglis County?
Tamworth, seat of Tamworth Regional Council, is the county’s largest city.
Which counties border Inglis County?
Darling, Hardinge, Sandon, Vernon and Parry counties surround it.